The association between statin use and the diagnosis of prostate cancer in a population based cohort

Rodney H. Breau, R. Jeffrey Karnes, Debra J. Jacobson, Michaela E. McGree, Steven J. Jacobsen, Ajay Nehra, Michael M. Lieber, Jennifer L. St. Sauver

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The effect of statin medication use on the risk of prostate cancer is unknown. Materials and Methods: We examined data from a longitudinal, population based cohort of 2,447 men between 40 and 79 years old who were followed from 1990 to 2007. Information on statin use was self-reported and obtained by biennial questionnaires. A randomly selected subset of men (634, 26%) completed biennial urological examinations that included serum prostate specific antigen measurements. Information on prostate biopsy and prostate cancer was obtained through review of community medical records. Results: Of 634 statin users 38 (6%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer vs 186 (10%) of 1,813 nonstatin users. Statin use was associated with a decreased risk of undergoing prostate biopsy (HR 0.31; 95% CI 0.24, 0.40), receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis (HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.25, 0.53) and receiving a high grade (Gleason 7 or greater) prostate cancer diagnosis (HR 0.25; 95% CI 0.11, 0.58). Statin use was also associated with a nonsignificantly decreased risk of exceeding a prostate specific antigen threshold of 4.0 ng/ml (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.35, 1.13). In addition, a longer duration of statin use was associated with a lower risk of these outcomes (all tests for trend p <0.05). Conclusions: Statin use is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer diagnosis. This association may be explained by decreased detection or cancer prevention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)494-500
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Urology
Volume184
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

Keywords

  • hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors
  • population characteristics
  • prostatic neoplasms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

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